1981 GMC Suburban vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 GMC Suburban. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Suburban weights approximately 970 kg more than 2002 Mazda 6.
Because 1981 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 GMC Suburban (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 1981 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Suburban | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Suburban | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6210 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 326 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2395 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2680 mm |
